Chapter Text
-=-=-=-
This creative work of fanfiction is written by the author miseria81, and this work is only posted in AO3 nowhere else. If you see this work posted anywhere else aside from AO3 then it was stolen. The author miseria81 does not allow any reposts of their works. They do not allow their works to be fed into generative AI machines or any AI whatsoever. Long live the creative human spirit. Fuck AI.
-=-=-=-
“Let’s welcome our new marketing assistants, Yuko, Kazuki, and Toujou. Let’s give them a warm applause!”
The department head continued to speak after the applause died down but all Tatsumi could think of was how this universe, controlled by the tropes of the BL World, was a huge pain in the ass. In order not to stand out Tatsumi joined in on the applause and even added some mediocre cheering for all the new members, but deep inside he was already rationalizing ways in order not to raise any flags with the new members. Tatsumi had worked hard not to raise any flags with any of the men in the company and he has maintained his single status ever since he got hired here, new recruits were always the biggest concerns whenever they appear since a new flag can be triggered with the introduction of new characters. That being said, Kazuki was a worry but not as much as Toujou. Tatsumi still can’t believe that his younger brother’s boyfriend, well ex-boyfriend, had suddenly reappeared in his life after years of not even seeing the other aside from those posts he sees Ayato post in social media now and then. And the last time he’s even heard of Toujou was two years ago when Ayato had brought up in passing that they had broken up during a call. Tatsumi had tried to console Ayato but true to his tsundere-nature his younger brother had insisted he was fine and that it was for the best. Respectfully, Tatsumi never brought it up after that.
But now he thinks he should’ve been nosier after all.
The burning question is, what was Toujou doing all the way here in Oita prefecture when his last workplace was all the way back in Tokyo?
As the head of the Tourism Industry Division went around introducing the rookies to every member of the team Tatsumi greeted Yuko and Kazuki normally with the usual smile and handshake but when it came to greeting Toujou Tatsumi could do nothing when the younger man grabs his hand and beams his trademark ikemen smile, complete with the sparkles and blooming flowers in the background.
“It’s good to see you again Tatsumi-san!”
Tatsumi could merely return a cordial smile and shakes the other’s hand. “It’s been a while Toujou-kun. Good to see you.”
Not one to miss details, the boss Itsuko, smiles with a sly look in her eyes. “Oh Toujou-kun you know Tatsumi? Then wouldn’t it be great to let Tatsumi be the one to show you the ropes around here, right Tatsumi?”
A new worker being pushed under their superior’s guidance was a blatant flag and Tatsumi has avoided being a victim of it for so long. But knowing his boss, Tatsumi was aware this wasn’t a suggestion but rather an order. And no matter what excuse he comes up with, to decline a blatant order wouldn’t end well with his boss. Taking the loss, Tatsumi forces a polite smile. “Right, Itsuko-san.”
“Good! Toujou-kun you’ll be working with Tatsumi while you adjust to the work schedule and work load. Yuko and Kazuki come with me and we’ll find suitable seniors to guide you as well.” Itsuko heartily announces, leaving behind Tatsumi to deal with their new hire.
The blond does a graceful bow, smile still on his lips. “Then I’ll be under your care Tatsumi-san.”
To his credit Toujou didn’t say anything more and simply waited for Tatsumi to start talking. Taking the olive branch, Tatsumi dove into explaining all that needed to be pointed out. Since they worked under the Tourism Industry Division they usually handled paperwork from clients and customers who are looking for suitable businesses for their own individual requirements. This means that they’re the middlemen who connect the businesses in Beppu in recommendation to their clients. Usually these businesses will be onsens, restaurants, hotels, and travel and tour agencies. For the most part Tatsumi handled the boring paperwork but he can already see Itsuko making use of Toujou’s natural good looks and polite speech to draw in more high-stake clients and to close deals. Of course, this is merely a guess, but so far Tatsumi hasn’t been that far off from his guesses. In that regard maybe he doesn’t have to worry about bumping into Toujou in work all that often, he will just have to keep their conversations limited to topics about work and avoid anything to do with him outside of office related issues.
“For our team there are a few desk spaces that are unoccupied. I’m sure Itsuko-san has already told you this. Feel free to choose any of the available ones.” As soon as the words left his mouth Tatsumi felt regret as Toujou immediately eyes the closest free desk, which was the one directly beside Tatsumi’s desk.
“Thank you for all the useful information Tatsumi-san.” And then to the older man’s surprise Toujou points to the desk farther away, nearest to the window. “I’ll be taking that desk then. Can I ask you if any more questions arise with work?”
Still processing his shock Tatsumi agrees. “Sure.”
“Thank you. Then I’ll be starting work now. See you around Tatsumi-san.”
“Uh yeah, see you.”
Toujou heads to his new desk, leaving Tatsumi confused. What just happened? Clearly there was a free desk right beside Tatsumi and Toujou certainly saw it, it was right in front of him. And yet the younger man had chosen a desk further away instead. In BL wouldn’t the main character usually be blatant about their interest…
Wait a minute.
Tatsumi takes his seat and quickly tries to make it look like he was busy with work, but in truth he was dissecting what currently happened in his typical analytical fashion. Toujou is certainly not acting like what Tatsumi would expect in a BL situation, did this mean that because they have history with Ayato being Tatsumi’s younger brother and Toujou being Ayato’s ex, perhaps the complex situation had saved Tatsumi from raising any possible flags with Toujou?? Yes, that could be possible. After all Tatsumi hasn’t read a lot of BL where the love interest’s ex eventually ends up with their former love interest’s sibling. Yes, that’s right, this could mean Tatsumi might be safe from raising any flags with the ever attention-catching Toujou.
Satisfied with his deduction, for now Tatsumi resumes the work he had piled up and intended to keep interactions with Toujou to a minimum.
-=-=-=-
This was awkward.
Toujou was working at the pile of paperwork given to him which was light considering it was only his first day at work. And it was a blessing because with his current speed Toujou would be able to complete the tasks just as the workday ends. He’s a bit distracted at the fact that Ayato’s brother of all people was in the same company that Toujou had been hired at.
Truthfully, Toujou had decided to leave Tokyo in search of a different scenery, Tokyo carried too many memories about his time with Ayato and he was tired of being reminded about his relationship that ended without much of his say about it. Their breakup was a mutual decision and Ayato himself had agreed that they were better off as friends, the romantic aspect of their relationship hadn’t survived the challenges of college, going to different schools, having different friend circles, and also holding up different part-time jobs. They had managed to make it work to the extent that they were still able to find the time to spend with each other and to work, but the earlier passion and romantic love for each other simply died down like sizzling embers doused by a torrent of rain. Toujou had felt their love grow colder a year before their breakup but he hadn’t said anything until Ayato eventually brought up the topic during a date where neither of them seemed enthused to be watching a movie cuddled next to each other.
And so they had agreed to breakup and stay as friends.
Still, a breakup is a breakup and it hurt. It also didn’t help that wherever Toujou went there was a shop, a café, a street, a snack, or even a movie poster that reminded him of Ayato and all the places they went and the things they did together. With the unending reminders Toujou decided to cut his losses and apply for a company in Beppu.
Thus, he was equally surprised and irked when the last person he had expected to meet was exactly in the same prefecture, the same city, and the same company. What kind of bad luck did Toujou have?
His plans of moving away in order to give himself much needed space and new experiences was easily thwarted by the presence of someone he hadn’t seen in four long years. How was Toujou supposed to cope with this situation?
Just don’t make a big deal out of it. The sensible side of his brain offered helpfully and Toujou suppressed a sigh. Of course that sounded simple as any hypothetical could, but he knows it would be harder to apply in real life. But then again, it’s not like he could up and leave just because Tatsumi-san was here. Toujou can’t leave behind this new job either. It would reflect poorly on his work records and he’ll surely be questioned by any new job he applies to about the sudden shift without any acceptable reason.
Reigning himself in, back to his typical cool self-control, Toujou decides to accept reality and makes a note to keep interactions with Tatsumi-san limited to work only.
It’s not like they’d see each other outside of work anyway.
-=-=-=-
Itsuko beams at the rest of the department as the clock strikes six in the evening. “Alright everyone! We’ll have an early end of the day today, close up your computers, and clean up your desks! We’ll all be headed to Nishikawa’s Izakaya to party and celebrate the three new recruits who have joined our department!”
Everyone clapped and cheered. Meanwhile Tatsumi was already thinking of ways to avoid raising any flags while he attended the party, because even if he didn’t want to go ‘not going’ also guaranteed that he would trigger a flag. Just to be on the safe side he would go as he normally does and fade into the background with his usual mob interactions.
Nishikawa’s Izakaya was a staple for the company since it was close and it offered great drinks and food for reasonable prices. Tatsumi himself was partial to this izakaya since he moved to Beppu, even though he rotated the places he went to after work in order not to draw any attention to himself by becoming a regular.
“Drink! Drink!”
Tatsumi turned to the rowdy corner where a group of guys seem to be pouring and refilling Kazuki’s glass as the younger man downs each shot at the encouragement. Peer pressure like this was something Tatsumi experienced as a new hire but he was mindful not to go overboard while humoring his superiors’ and colleagues’ “encouragement”. Tatsumi managed to go home not too drunk at that time, successfully avoiding every possible flag that appeared, but basing on the speed which Kazuki was downing those drinks, Tatsumi was already suspecting that someone will end up having to carry the man home since he will most likely end up heavily drunk by the time the party concludes.
Subtly, Tatsumi looks at the other end of the room to the two new recruits and Yuko was being pestered by two older women while Toujou was obviously surrounded by both men and women who weren’t even subtle at showing their interest in the bachelor.
True to his prince charming designation Toujou was easily able to avoid answering any personal questions through the way he words things and comes up with answers that could be half-truth but spun beautifully descriptive that none of the people listening probably understood the meaning but loved to hear Toujou speak anyway so they simply nod along. Tatsumi didn’t realize he was stuck staring until Toujou’s eyes slid to his and Tatsumi tries not to freeze. What was wrong with Tatsumi, why was he out of his game? He knew first hand not to stare too long at anyone no matter the reason, that always raises a flag.
Once more Tatsumi is surprised as Toujou only gives him a polite smile in acknowledgement and goes back to answering the dozens of questions that bombarded him.
Tatsumi blinks slowly and turns back to the sushi in front of him, stuffing his mouth and eating to keep busy. Another flag with Toujou avoided without Tatsumi’s input. Somehow that was new and in its own way assuring. Perhaps his theory about Toujou not raising any flags when it concerned Tatsumi was true? Nodding in reassurance, Tatsumi happily enjoys the party and doesn’t overly become critical with flags and other romantically possible events as soon as the desserts show up with a yogurt sweet shaped in the form of a cat.
Wandering eyes momentarily look away from the gaggle of ladies and gents vying for his attention. The blonde looked up in time to see something interesting. Toujou definitely doesn’t suppress a chuckle when he sees Tatsumi fawning over the cute dessert, snapping several pictures, and hesitating on destroying the yogurt cat before caving and eating the dessert before anyone else can steal the bowl from him.
Tatsumi-san always did like anything that was related to cats. Mii-chan was his favorite after all.
Toujou himself didn’t realize the passing thought, dragged back to reality as another senior asks him about his past job and what he had done before moving to Beppu. Forcing himself to keep smiling Toujou continues to try to answer those prying, keeping the replies short and sweet and revealing nothing too personal. He has done this dance and song for so many years. Sometimes he does realize how tiring and boring this gets, but he has appearances to upkeep so he clenches his teeth and remains a steady charming presence.
The party concludes soon enough and everyone made their own way home. As Tatsumi had predicted correctly Kazuki ended up being assisted by one of the few remaining bachelors in the department, a very straight-laced and blunt man named Shou. The older man promised to bring Kazuki home safe and sound. Tatsumi tried not to roll his eyes at the cliché event, already knowing that the two men would end up falling for each other within the coming week due to what was about to happen. In the end Tatsumi was just glad it wasn’t him.
But a nagging feeling deep in his mind begun rearing its unwelcomed presence. Isn’t this getting boring?
Automatically Tatsumi ignored the thought and headed to the train station before it got too late and they ended up closing on him.
-=-=-=-
“Uhm-“
“Huh-“
The two men gawk at each other as they both walked in the same direction after exiting the same train car. Tatsumi had been keen on ignoring the other man and the same could be said with Toujou, which was easy to do with the train being packed like usual especially with it being the last train. Even when they exited the train they were minding their own business until the crowd started dwindling and the street narrowed to a subdivision where the foot traffic was obviously lesser, leaving the two of them and a scant number of people walking towards the same way.
Sensing that they can’t be openly ignoring each other like this for long Toujou tried to speak but Tatsumi spoke at the same time. Toujou covered up the awkward moment with a cough and then said, “You go first Tatsumi-san.”
“On your way home Toujou-kun?”
“Yes, you as well?”
“That’s right.”
The conversation dries up quickly, the silence growing more awkward as they continue to walk side by side without talking. Their steps on pavement seems to echo louder than usual with the lack of words and conversation. Both men tried to not pay any notice to the awkwardness of it all, because what could they even talk about? All things considered the only connection they had before was Ayato and that was a bad topic to bring up flag or not. Without Ayato in the picture they were simply co-workers with a vague understanding of each other due to their past connection through Ayato.
Unable to take the weird atmosphere any longer, Toujou decided to fill the silence with a safe topic that didn’t require anything personal. “It seems the company here treats newbies the same as companies do in Tokyo.”
Tatsumi can’t let the conversation end too fast so he replies with his neutral tone, “I guess that’s true. I never paid it much mind since it’s a normal thing in the working field.”
“I guess so.” Toujou noncommittally shrugs. “I was just hoping that welcome parties would be different here since it’s in another prefecture entirely. But I suppose this is simply how it is in companies in Japan.”
Tatsumi makes an acknowledging hum. “Maybe it is a Japanese thing.”
“I suppose not much can be done if it’s already a common thing that it has also reached the level of almost being part of the culture. At least that’s what I’ve gathered from experience and from watching videos on the internet about it.”
“Huh, that’s certainly an interesting topic to be searching about.”
Toujou shrugged. “I just randomly scrolled on a video about it once and now I can’t help but notice that some of the videos observations are indeed true.”
Tatsumi nods. “Sometimes that does happen. You can’t notice that something’s odd if you grew up doing it, it takes a different perspective from someone growing up in a totally different environment to point it out.”
“That’s definitely it.” Toujou paused in front of an average looking three-story building. “Well, this is me. I’ll see you around at work Tatsumi-san.”
For the first time Tatsumi looks stumped, staring at Toujou with wide eyes and barely hidden confusion.
“This is where your apartment is Toujou-kun?”
“Yes.” Toujou then asks, a bit thrown off with the other man’s flabbergasted expression. “Is there a problem?”
Tatsumi shakes his head, trying not to appear weirded out. “No, no. It’s not a problem exactly. It’s just…Well… I live in this building too.”
-=-=-=-
This creative work of fanfiction is written by the author miseria81, and this work is only posted in AO3 nowhere else. If you see this work posted anywhere else aside from AO3 then it was stolen. The author miseria81 does not allow any reposts of their works. They do not allow their works to be fed into generative AI machines or any AI whatsoever. Long live the creative human spirit. Fuck AI.
-=-=-=-